Work-based learning opportunities to prepare students for evolving job market

CENTER VALLEY, Pa. — As students prepare to enter an increasingly competitive and complex workforce, Penn State Lehigh Valley is expanding work-based learning opportunities that connect students directly with employers, helping them gain valuable experience before graduation.

Employers today are seeking more than academic credentials. Professional experience, communication skills, adaptability and critical thinking have become essential qualities for graduates entering the workforce. At the same time, economic uncertainty and the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) continue to reshape hiring practices across industries.

To help students navigate these challenges, Penn State Lehigh Valley’s work-based learning initiative provides opportunities such as internships, job shadowing, project-based learning and direct engagement with employers throughout the region. The program is designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and workplace expectations while helping students build professional networks and develop career-ready skills.

“Employers are looking for new hires with soft skills, critical thinking skills and curiosity to learn more,” said Jamie Merida, career strategist at Penn State Lehigh Valley. “They are looking for strong work ethic and the ability to not only receive constructive feedback, but to make changes according to that feedback.”

The initiative supports Penn State Lehigh Valley’s broader commitment to preparing students for long-term career success while strengthening connections between higher education and regional workforce needs. Through partnerships with employers and organizations across the Lehigh Valley and Pennsylvania, students gain hands-on experiences that help them apply classroom knowledge in professional settings.

Faculty and career development professionals say students are entering one of the most dynamic hiring environments in recent years. According to Merida, misconceptions about artificial intelligence are also influencing how some students approach the job search process.

“Job seekers are making the assumption that employers are using AI to screen resumes and are therefore using AI to create their resumes,” Merida said. “Most employers that I have spoken to are reviewing resumes individually and are negatively biased toward blatant AI-generated resumes.”

Industry leaders continue to emphasize the importance of networking and relationship-building in securing employment opportunities.

“We are fortunate that several recent graduates secured full-time positions through speakers in class and career fair participation,” said Mark Capofari, assistant teaching professor of project and supply chain management at Penn State Lehigh Valley. “Historically, 85% of Lehigh Valley campus graduates had an internship.”

Penn State Lehigh Valley collaborates with the Lehigh Valley Workforce Board, Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC), employer advisory boards and workforce development partners throughout Pennsylvania to help ensure students are developing skills aligned with workforce demands.

The work-based learning initiative is part of a larger effort across Penn State’s Commonwealth Campuses to expand experiential learning opportunities and strengthen workforce readiness statewide. Through collaboration among campuses, students gain access to a broader network of employers and career development resources.

“As we build out work-based learning programs, we will see a widespread positive impact, including stronger pathways to employment and increased retention in our local communities,” said Sarah Kordish, career counselor at Penn State Altoona. “With this model, we will be able to work together to serve students at multiple campuses and employers across the entire state.”

The benefits of the initiative are also being seen at other Penn State campuses.

“Since the launch of the Work-Based Learning Program at Penn State Schuylkill, it has become an invaluable asset to our campus,” said Kathryn Steingraber, marketing and communications specialist at Penn State Schuylkill. “Through partnerships with more than 100 companies in our consortium, the program provides students with meaningful internship opportunities that build real-world experience and strengthen their career readiness.”

Penn State Lehigh Valley Chancellor Tina Richardson said experiential learning plays a critical role in preparing students for careers in a rapidly changing economy.

“Penn State Lehigh Valley plays a vital role in preparing students to meet the evolving needs of our workforce,” Richardson said. “Through intentional partnerships and innovative programming, we are creating an environment where students can develop both the technical knowledge and the professional confidence needed to succeed.”

Richardson said the campus aims to ensure students graduate with both academic credentials and practical experiences that help shape their future careers.

“Our goal is to ensure that every student graduates not only with a degree, but with a clear sense of purpose and direction,” Richardson said. “By embedding experiential learning throughout the academic journey, we are helping students build the skills, relationships and experiences that will define their future success.”

As employers continue to place a premium on experience alongside education, Richardson said, work-based learning opportunities will play an increasingly important role in helping students successfully transition into the workforce while supporting economic growth across Pennsylvania.